Pickleball Magazine 1-2 | Page 26

INTERCOLLEGIATE PICKLEBALL: BUILDING BRIDGES AND THE POWER OF TEAMWORK I ’ve been involved with every aspect of racquet sports over the last 40 years. From a Hall of Fame player, and contributor, to a national coach, club owner, physical educator, and Director of Racquet Sports at North Carolina State University. The sport of pickleball is in position to potentially expand participation in the collegiate setting through physical education instructional programs and university recreation’s intramural sports and club sports divisions. If entry into the collegiate setting is successful, this could lead to an infusion of growth for our great sport. We all love pickleball, that’s a given. First let me state the obvious. The USAPA has done a great job in promoting pickleball. The ambassadors are wonderful and are spreading 24 the word with great enthusiasm and energy. Keep up the good work. However, over 70% of the market is age 60 and above and only 6% are under 40 years old. What’s wrong with these numbers? Where are the millennials (18-34) or generation Z? They are the future. Every college and university has gymnasium space and/or tennis courts that can be used for pickleball play. This game can be showcased at a minimal cost. What an untapped market. You just have to get to the &